Barbara Charping Hays, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated community servant, passed away on November 26, 2023 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, South Carolina. Born on August 4, 1942 in Anderson, Barbara is predeceased by her parents Robert Lee and Margaret Edith Charping.

Barbara dedicated 60 years of her life to a loving marriage with her devoted husband, Walter Lewis Hays III. Together, they shared a life filled with joy, commitment, and unwavering support for each other. Known for her passion for bridge, boating, and all things Clemson, Barbara embraced life with a spirit of enthusiasm.

Barbara dedicated a significant chapter of her life to nurturing her family, putting her professional pursuits on hold to embrace the role of a devoted full-time mother to her beloved children, Keith and Mandy. During this period, she served as Sunday school teacher, Youth Club leader, President of the Women of the Church, President of the PTA, worked with migrant farmers to ensure their families had essential needs met, started several tutoring programs, and created a clothes closet ministry for newly-released prisoners. Later, Barbara redirected her passion for service toward Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, where she served as associate director for many years. After leaving this role, Barbara continued to deliver meals with her husband, Walter, to those less fortunate in the community.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Buddy" Hays, and her brother Charles Charping (Carolyn). She is survived by her brother, John Charping (Betty) and her children, Keith Hays (Kay) and Amanda Hays (Erika). She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Brian Hays, Taylor Hays Gregory (Aaron), Theodore Hays, Cooper Hays, and Sawyer Hays.

The family will hold a private funeral service and burial and appreciates the thoughts and prayers of friends during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, 419 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.